ASU Softball: No. 24 Sun Devils fall to No. 4 Washington

Looking to end a six-game skid, No. 24 Arizona State (25-15, 5-8 Pac-12) ventured up to Seattle to take on No. 4 Washington (33-6, 10-3 Pac-12) to kick off a three-game series on Friday night.

Unfortunately for the Sun Devils, their losing streak continued as they fell 8-4 to the Huskies despite a comeback effort that just fell short.

Although the final score was a four-run defeat, the score was closer than indicated. After trailing 5-1 after five innings, the Sun Devils put up a three-spot in the top of the sixth, cutting the lead to one with one more chance at the plate.

However, a missed shutdown inning allowed the Huskies to create some breathing room after the score was cut to one. In the bottom half of the sixth, Washington senior outfielder Amirah Malloy belted a three-run homer to right center field, making the final 8-4.

The late-inning runs between both teams would result in the Huskies making the final punch. Offensively for the Sun Devils, junior catcher Maddi Hackbarth accounted for all four of the team’s RBI’s.

She hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, then followed that with a three-RBI double with two outs and the bases loaded in the sixth. Hackbarth pulled a ball that just stayed fair inside the third base bag to plate the three runs.

In the circle, ASU was opposed by Washington sophomore standout Gabbie Plain. She went six innings, allowed four runs, and struck out 11 before giving way to senior counterpart Taran Alvelo, who was the closer in the seventh.

Junior Cielo Meza pitched the whole way for the Devils. With another loss to a top-10 opponent, ASU will look to end the streak tomorrow afternoon in Seattle. First pitch of game two against the Huskies is at 3 p.m. MST.